Archive By Section - Local News

On Jan. 8, 20th Judicial District Judge Ron Svaty issued a "protective order restricting extrajudicial comments," in layman's terms a gag order, barring all participants, law enforcement officers and court officials involved with the in the case surrounding murder suspect Alejo Villegas from discussing the matter.

Many young students learn through their parents and grandparents what freedom is and what it means, not only to them but for every American. Some local students got the opportunity to express this in their own words.

February 1-7 was recognized as National Burn Awareness Week, and Safe Kids Kansas and the Office of the State Fire Marshal focused that week on reminding parents and caregivers that fire is just one cause of burn injuries to children. Scalding hot water, hot foods and beverages, heating appliances, hot pots and pans, fireworks, electrical currents and chemicals can all be the cause of serious burns to children.

The future of Barton County is important to all of us. Looking ahead and planning takes a lot of cooperation between all the county entities, cities, townships, fire and EMS districts, department heads, County Administrator and County Commissioners. We don't always see eye to eye, but we always have the best interest of the citizens of Barton County at heart.

Great Bend Recreation Commission's Executive Director Diann Henderson received the prestigious Distinguished Fellow Award given by the Kansas Recreation and Park Association at the KRPA Awards of Excellence Luncheon at its annual State Conference held in Dodge City.

According to the Barton County Sheriff's Office. In recent weeks, in an effort to ensure compliance and foster public safety, the Barton County Sheriff's Office has been doing a canvas of all registered sex offenders and violent crime offenders in Barton County.

The Great Bend Recreation Commission will be hosting a free Stop 'N Learn Session titled, "Concealed and Carry Firearm Regulations" on Wednesday, Feb. 10, from 12 – 1 p.m. at the Great Bend Activity Center located at 2715 18th St.

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center announces the winners of the 2016 World Wetlands Day Coloring Contest. Nearly 400 second graders completed a coloring sheet featuring a Black Bullhead Catfish, one of several catfish species commonly found in Kansas.

The Rush County Memorial Hospital Foundation will hold a fundraiser from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday at the Country Club in LaCrosse. Wine tasting, Sweet Bar and dinner will be served. Reservations are required. Tickets are $50 per person and can be bought at any LaCrosse bank.

This week's Chamber of Commerce Coffee will be hosted by Post Rock Radio at the Chamber Board Room, 1125 Williams, at 9:30 a.m., Thursday. Host will be Steve Swigart with greeters Gaila Nielsen and Amanda Baxter. Coffee, refreshments and door prizes will be available.

Next year's calendar for Great Bend USD 428 schools will be similar to this year's, but the winter break will be two days shorter and spring break will start a week later, Superintendent Brad Reed said.